For student rankings, Cheonjikido utitlizes Korean rank titles to pay homage to Chang Moo Kwan Do, a Korean eclectic style and the great-grandfather of Cheonjikido according to our black belt lineage. For instructor rankings, Cheonjikido utilizes Japanese dan titles to pay homage to the heavy influence of Japanese and Okinawan traditional styles (i.e. Aikido, Isshin-Ryu, Shotokan) on the eclectic practice of Cheonjikido.

*YEONG-GEUP, SR. BROWN BELT

Yeong-geup, or Senior Brown Belt, is a transitional rank adopted by Catawba Valley Martial Arts in order to accommodate students below the age of eighteen (18) who have met the requirements for the rank of Shodan (i.e. black belt). Catawba Valley Martial Arts considers a Black Belt to be more than just an expert performer of Cheonjikido technique. Rather, we hope that such will prove able instructors of what they have learned, as well as good citizens with virtuous moral character and emotional maturity. Cheonjikido needs confident, yet humble yudansha (i.e. black belts) who will represent the style well as both members and instructors. That being said, WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IS FULLY ACQUIRED AND CAPABLE OF BEING PROPERLY ASSESSED IN AN INDIVIDUAL BELOW THE AGE OF EIGHTEEN. This age, therefore, is considered to be the earliest point of determining whether a student can responsibly represent Catawba Valley Martial Arts and/or the style of Cheonjikido within the community as a Black Belt. The Yeong-geup rank will be implemented in the following fashion:

A brown belt student below the age of eighteen (18), who has been deemed ready for promotion by his instructor, will undergo the normal promotion procedure for the rank of Shodan (black belt), complete in every respect

If criterion for a black belt is met, the student below the age of eighteen (18) will be awarded the senior brown belt rank

This rank will be signified by a black strip worn on the brown belt

The promotion fee will be one-half of the amount designated for black belt; the other half is payable when and if the senior brown belt is awarded the full rank of shodan

A senior brown belt will rank between brown and black belts in class formation

Senior brown belts may attend yudansha meetings but WILL NOT retain voting privileges

Upon reaching the age of eighteen (18), a senior brown belt is eligible to be recommended by his instructor for the rank of Shodan (black belt); THIS WILL BE BY INVITATION AND IS NOT AUTOMATIC

An actual re-testing in terms of a senior brown belt being awarded a black belt is up to the discretion of the yudansha

This rank is never to be awarded for an inferior performance by a student testing for black belt. The promotee is to be a qualified black belt in every respect except age.

Exceptions to this age limitation are on a case by case basis and left to the discretion of the yudansha

nidan, 2nd-degree black belt

sandan, 3rd-degree black belt

Cheonjikido Kata #6-10 with rhythms of reversal

Tan-Tui Kata

Goshin Ho #1-42 RH/LH

Koryu-Dai-San, Koryu-Dai-Yon

Bo Kata #4-5

yondan, 4th-degree black belt & above

There are no formal tests above the rank of Sandan. Subsequent ranks are awarded based upon time, active participation, consistent contribution, training, growth, and teaching in the art of Cheonjikido.